Syndicated to: Wisc.edu
Novel Morgridge technology may illuminate mystery moon caves
It's widely believed that the moon features networks of caves created when violent lava flows tore under the surface from ancient volcanoes. Some craters may actually be "skylights" where cave ceilings have crumbled. Read More
Apes may be closer to speaking than many scientists think
Koko the gorilla is best known for a lifelong study to teach her a silent form of communication, American Sign Language. But some of the simple sounds she has learned may change the perception that humans are the only primates with the capacity for speech. Read More
More details on origin of world’s favorite beer-making microbe
The crucial genetic mashup that spawned the yeast that brews the vast majority of beer occurred at least twice - and both times without human help - according to a University of Wisconsin–Madison study published Aug. 11 in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution. Read More
Proposed ban on fetal tissue would halt lifesaving research, scientists say
A bill before the State Assembly aimed at banning the scientific use of fetal tissue would halt work that could alleviate or end the suffering… Read More
Discovery in growing graphene nanoribbons could enable faster, more efficient electronics
Graphene, an atom-thick material with extraordinary properties, is a promising candidate for the next generation of dramatically faster, more energy-efficient electronics. However, scientists have struggled to fabricate the material into ultra-narrow strips, called nanoribbons, that could enable the use of graphene in high-performance semiconductor electronics. Read More
Researchers study Wisconsin’s deepest natural lake to help preserve ‘an ecological jewel’
UW-Madison researchers have teamed up with community leaders to analyze Green Lake, Wisconsin's deepest natural inland lake and a crucial habitat for lake trout and other cold water species. Read More
Chancellor visits Wausau businesses to discuss partnerships
What do business leaders in central Wisconsin say they need above all else? That’s the question Chancellor Rebecca Blank asked at a recent meeting with executives whose companies have global reach. The answer: talented workers. Read More
“Happy Days Study” meets the microbiome
For almost 60 years, the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) has closely followed the life course of roughly a third of Wisconsin high school graduates from the class of 1957. Read More
UW leading $2.6 million effort to improve solar power plants
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $2.6 million to a research collaboration led by University of Wisconsin–Madison engineering physics research Professor Mark Anderson that aims to advance the technology of utility-scale concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. Read More
Sea Caves Watch promotes kayaker safety in northern Wisconsin
A public safety project initiated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison to prevent kayaking tragedies has been turned over to the National Park Service and several partners. Read More
Student organic seed enthusiasts to gather in Madison
While organic foods are popular among consumers, the organics segment remains a lonely field for future plant breeders. At many of the universities that offer graduate programs in plant breeding, for instance, there are only a handful of students focused on developing better fruit, vegetable and field crop varieties for organic farming systems. Read More
Wisconsin’s fish – all of them – star in new poster series
Fully grown, the least darter is one inch long — Wisconsin’s smallest fish. The lake sturgeon, which can grow to more than 6 feet in length, is Wisconsin’s biggest. In between are 181 other species, and each and every one of them will soon have its moment in the spotlight, thanks to scientific illustrator Kandis Elliot. Read More
Obama taps UW–Madison biochemist to head science medal panel
President Barack Obama has named University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemistry Professor Judith Kimble to chair the President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science. Read More
Inside story: How a patient got her wish, and a video went viral
My first hint that our UW Carbone Center video had gone viral came early in the morning, when my husband shook me awake to tell me my phones had broken. Both cell phones were dinging, buzzing and skittering around the kitchen table like demented cockroaches. Read More
Pedestrian bridge to be demolished next week
Demolition of the pedestrian bridge over University Avenue between the George L. Mosse Humanities Building and Vilas Hall is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 10, and continue throughout the week. Read More
Urban Horticulture Day set for Aug. 15
Want some fresh ideas for your home garden? Stop by Urban Horticulture Day at UW–Madison's West Madison Agricultural Research Station on Saturday, Aug. 15 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Read More
Open house features one-stop shopping for corporate partners
A daylong event Aug. 19 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will acquaint businesses with the range of research, collaboration, recruitment and educational opportunities on campus. Read More
New online tool puts Madison lakes on the map — and in the forecast
Imagine packing the car, herding your family on board and heading to the lake, only to find green, scummy water or a closed beach at your destination. Up until now, it's been an all-too-common end to summer travel plans in Wisconsin. But a new online tool can send people to clearer waters. Read More